North Canterbury Mayors extend invitation to Local Government Minister

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

North Canterbury’s Mayors have extended an invitation to the Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty to return to the region to learn more about the issues it faces.

The mayors were responding to the announcement by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who put the brakes on some of the government’s reform programme.

This included asking McAnulty to report back on how to refine the Three Waters reforms.

McAnulty visited all three North Canterbury districts during his time as Associate Local Government Minister.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she would ‘‘always welcome’’ McAnulty back to have "a look and feel of our district and the services we need", such as roading and Three Waters.

"He comes from a small district like our own, so he does have an understanding of rural issues, we hope it transfers into his thinking and decision making."

She acknowledged the need to focus on the cost of living, but she was keen to see more detail of the government’s ‘‘re-focusing’’ of its priorities.

Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said he would ‘‘wait and see’’ what comes of Hipkins’ announcement.

"It looks like he is saying and doing the right things, but I would like to know more - a lot more.

"I am grateful for the pause, but too often we have had this and then they have powered ahead and done what they wanted to do."

Mackle said he would welcome McAnulty back to learn more about the district’s challenges.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon put out a joint statement with Communities 4 Local Democracy (C4LD) chairperson Helen Worboys, re-enforcing their organisation’s position.

"All councils want the best outcomes for Three Waters in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we welcome the renewed opportunity for the Government to work with local councils on that solution."

The two mayors said C4LD had put together a "common sense" proposal which would deliver on the Government's objectives, while preserving the local voice and respecting property rights.

"We are confident that there's a way through this issue that every Kiwi would support, and we're keen to work in partnership with Government to get there."

Comment was also sought from Ngāi Tahu.

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air